Sex, Football and Politics

Today is primary day in NYC!

Polls are open from 6am to 9pm in the City.

Check this website to find out information on polling places, and this for info on candidates.

New info for first time voters, who registered by mail:

First-Time Voters

New Yorkers who registered to vote for the first time via mail may be asked to provide identification, such as a driver’s license, when they arrive at the polls.

Voters without a driver’s license can also offer a copy of one of the following:

• valid photo ID
• current utility bill
• bank statement
• government check or other government document that shows the voter’s name and address.

Those who do not have any form of identification or decline to supply one will be allowed to vote by paper ballot, not in the machines, according to the Board of Elections. Those votes will be counted only if they are verified to match registration forms.

The new rules are part of the federal Help America Vote Act, which Congress passed after the turmoil in Florida during the 2000 presidential election.

I know, I know, you should know who is running. Yet, if you are waiting for something from the U.S. Mail, you might miss out.

I live in the 15th State Senatorial District. The race in November may decide if Democrats get control of the NYS Sentate.

Before that, there is a primary to run against long-time Republican incumbent Serf Maltese.

RIght, you didn’t know there was a primary. You thought one of the two candidates, Albert Baldeo, dropped out of the primary, and therefore Joseph Addabbo, Jr. will face Maltese in 6 weeks.

Well, you are right. That did happen.

It just is Baldeo dropped out after his name got on the ballot, so he could get votes.

Or worse, Addabbo Jr. supporters might not come out and vote because they don’t know the primary is still on.

So, get out and vote, if you have to. Please check and find out.

Primary races I am checking out this day:

21st State Senatorial District. Kevin Parker, the incumbent and Minority Whip in the Senate is fighting off two challengers to his seat, Simka Felder and Kendall Stewart, two NYC Councilman who are term-limited. This race will impact Albany. NY Times ran a good story on Sunday.

Tom Robbins, just the best investigative journalist in NYC, along with his buddy Wayne Robbins, has a good story on Daniel Squadron, who is challenging Marty Connor in the 25th State Senatorial District.

Of course, Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the Assembly, will keep his seat against two upstarts. The dum-dums should have consildated campaigns if they were really serious about ousting SIlver. They are going to split the vote and Shelly will retain power. I am just interested in seeing the turnout and Silver’s final tally.

On the federal level, the race is in the 10th Congressional District with Kevin Powell against long-time incumbent Edopholus Towns. I grew up in the district so I am watching with contest with lots of interest because Mr. Powell has run a really grassroots orientated campaign. I await the results.

Go out and make it happen!